Cactus Roulette Endurance Event

The Cactus Roulette Endurance Event returns to Lawrence, Kansas on January 23rd through the 24th of 2027, bringing together endurance runners for a unique trail race experience. Base camp for this event is at Coneflower Campground within Clinton Lake State Park, where participants will find all necessary amenities including food and water stations, porta potties, heaters, and personal drop bag access.
On the morning of January 23rd, the trails around Lawrence will be marked with three distinct loops ranging from 1.9 to 3.6 miles in length, each offering varying degrees of technical difficulty and elevation changes. The trail conditions are expected to be firm but slightly soft underfoot, providing a challenging yet manageable surface for runners who may encounter the roulette wheel's whims throughout their journey.
Cactus Roulette has been an annual event since its inception by the Lawrence Trail Hawks, attracting endurance athletes from across Kansas and beyond. Each year sees new participants join alongside dedicated veterans, all united in the spirit of pushing personal limits on the trails around Clinton Lake State Park. The race offers a range of time options—24 hours, 12-hour Owl (Saturday afternoon), 12-hour Lark (Sunday morning), and a 6-hour option—that cater to both seasoned ultrarunners and those looking for their first taste of long-distance trail running.
The course features three color-coded loops: SWIM BEACH in blue, CACTUS RIDGE in green, and BUNKER HILL in red. Each loop presents unique challenges with varying terrain and elevation changes that keep runners engaged throughout the event duration. Runners will start at specific mats corresponding to their chosen time option, ensuring a smooth transition from one loop to another as dictated by the roulette wheel.
Weather conditions for January typically feature firm but slightly soft trail surfaces in Lawrence. UV index levels are expected to be low during race hours, offering runners comfortable daylight exposure without excessive sun exposure risks. Temperatures will likely range between mild and cool throughout both days of competition, with wind speeds generally light enough not to hinder performance significantly.